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Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. However, as people grow older, they often spend more time alone. When older people are alone, they are more susceptible to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and well-being. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are associated with a higher risk of health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
If you are in poor health, you are more likely to feel socially isolated and lonely. If you’re socially isolated or feeling lonely, your physical and mental health can be at risk. Adults who are lonely or socially isolated are more likely to have poorer health, longer hospital stays, more readmissions, and premature death than adults with meaningful and supportive social connections. .
What is the difference between loneliness and social isolation?
The number of older people over the age of 65 is increasing, and many are socially isolated and feel lonely on a regular basis. The 2020 coronavirus outbreak brought even more challenges due to health considerations and the need for physical practice. Keep your distance.
Loneliness and social isolation are different, but related. Loneliness is the painful feeling of being alone or separated. Social isolation is a lack of social contact and having few people to interact with on a regular basis. You don’t feel lonely or socially isolated when you live alone, and you can feel lonely even when you’re with other people.
Older people are at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness due to age-related changes in health and social connections, declines in hearing, vision, and memory, disabilities, mobility difficulties, and loss of family and friends. Masu.
How do feelings of loneliness and isolation affect the health of older people?
People who are socially isolated or lonely are more likely to end up in the emergency room or nursing home. Social isolation and loneliness are also associated with an increased risk of:
Lonely or socially isolated people are more likely to exercise less, drink too much alcohol, smoke more and sleep poorly, which can further increase the risk of serious health conditions.
Lonely people experience mental pain. Losing a sense of connection and community can change the way a person sees the world. People who experience chronic loneliness may feel threatened and distrustful of others.
Emotional pain can cause the same stress response in your body as physical pain. If this continues for a long time, it can lead to chronic inflammation (excessive or prolonged release of factors that can damage tissues) and reduced immunity (ability to fight disease). This can increase your risk of chronic disease and make you more vulnerable to some infections.
Social isolation and loneliness can also negatively impact brain health. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with decreased cognitive function and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Also, being alone most of the time with few social activities can lead to a decreased ability to perform daily tasks such as driving, paying bills, taking medications, and cooking.
How do I know if I’m at risk for loneliness or social isolation?
People who have experienced unexpected isolation due to illness of a loved one, separation from friends and family, loss of motor skills, worsening vision or hearing problems, disability, lack of mobility or transportation are especially lonely. and are exposed to social risks. Separation.
You may also be at greater risk if:
- live alone
- can’t leave the house
- There was a major loss or life change, such as the death of a spouse or partner or retirement.
- struggle with money
- I’m a caregiver
- have psychological or cognitive problems or depression
- limited social support
- hard to hear
- Live in a rural, unsafe, or difficult to access area
- There is a language barrier where you live
- You experience discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity where you live
- Not participating in meaningful activities or feeling a lack of purpose
People with hearing loss may find it difficult to communicate with friends and family, which can lead to decreased social interaction, social isolation, and increased feelings of loneliness.
How can I stay connected with friends and family?
There are several things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. First of all, it is important to take care of yourself. To manage stress and maintain as much physical and mental health as possible, try exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep (7-9 hours), and continuing to do the activities you love.
It’s also important to be active and connect with others. People who engage in meaningful, productive activities while having fun with others tend to feel a sense of purpose and live longer lives. For example, helping others through volunteering can reduce feelings of loneliness, give you a sense of mission and purpose in life, and lead to improved health. Research shows that such activities can help lift your mood and improve your sense of well-being and cognitive function.
Here are some other ideas for staying connected.
- Find a fun activity, pick up an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new. You might have a good time and meet people with similar interests.
- Schedule time each day to connect directly with family, friends, and neighbors through email, social media, voice calls, text messages, and more. Talk to people you trust and share your feelings. Suggest activities to foster and strengthen existing relationships. Sending letters and cards is also a good way to maintain friendships.
- Stay engaged and connected using communication technologies like video chat, smart speakers, and even companion robots.
- If you’re not tech-savvy, enroll in an online or in-person class at your local public library or community center to learn how to use email and social media.
- If you can care for a pet, consider getting one. Animals are not only a source of healing, but they can also reduce stress and blood pressure.
- Stay active by incorporating group exercise, such as joining a walking club or exercising with friends. Adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) a week of activities that make it hard to breathe.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
- Find a faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and participate in activities and events with others.
- Check out resources and programs at local social services agencies, community and senior centers, and public libraries.
- Join the movement and get involved in the community.
To learn more about loneliness and social isolation and see if you’re at risk of loneliness or social isolation, check out this resource: Expand Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneility as you Age ( PDF, 4.75 million).
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Click here to learn more about loneliness and social isolation
NIA Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Education and Introduction (ADEAR) Center
800-438-4380
adear@nia.nih.gov
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
The NIA ADEAR Center provides information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health care professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and refer you to local and national resources.
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
Content review date: January 14, 2021